December 2014

FOR OUR REFLECTION

pictures taken from this link
http://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=spigot-chr-gcmac&ei=utf-8&ilc=12&p=first+week+of+advent

As we begin Advent, we light one candle in the midst of all the darkness in our lives and in the world. It symbolizes our longing, our desire, our hope. Three “advents” or “comings” shape our desire. We want to be renewed in a sense that Jesus came to save us from our sin and death. We want to experience his coming to us now, in our everyday lives, to help us live our lives with meaning and purpose. And we want to prepare for his coming to meet us at the end of our lives on this earth.

As we light the candles on our advent wreath, we offer this prayer

“Lord, the light I choose to let into my life today is based on my trust in you. It is a weak flame, but I so much desire that it dispel a bit more darkness today. Today, I just want to taste the longing I have for you as I go to the meeting this morning, carry out the responsibilities of my work, face the frustration of some difficult relationships. Let this candle be my reminder today of my hope in your coming.”


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FUKUSHIMA KEN

Noda Machi Halloween Party

Last Nov. 2, just in time for the All Souls day mass, the Noda Community celebrated their Mass and Halloween party. Thanks to the organizers Hawak Kamay Fukushima who prepared the Mass and the party. There were around 25 people who attended the Mass. 

During the party there were games and prizes for the best Halloween costumes. 
































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Iwaki Catholic Church

We celebrated our mass in Iwaki Catholic Church last Nov. 23. For almost two months we were not able to celebrate the mass in the area due to my schedules. We planned to have our Christmas celebration on Dec. 23 at 2 pm. The group promised to call people to join in our mass celebration that day. 

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Koriyama Catholic Church

Last Nov. 30, we had our mass with Koriyama community. Before the mass, i was informed by the group that a Filipina had died in the area and they wanted to offer a mass or a blessing before here burial. The body will be brought to the funeral parlor at 11 in the evening and so we schedule the mass the next day. Fr. Itagaki offered to do the mass before the burial.  

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AOMORI KEN

Hachinohe Mass

During our mass we bless several children who are aged 7, 5 and 3. In Japanese Churches during November 15,  the children are blessed  in the temples and churches. Shichi-go san is a rite of passage for children who aged 7, 5 and 3 to celebrate their growth and well-being.

During our English mass, we decided to incorporate it in our mass and we were happy to have some sweets that was prepared for the children during our English mass. Fr. Sato helped in in the blessings of the children.

here is the link for the Shichi - go san festival

http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E4%B8%83%E4%BA%94%E4%B8%89


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Hirosaki Church

Last Nov. 12 we celebrated our Wednesday Novena and Mass in Hirosaki Church Community. Normally, this would be our last mass for the year because the snow is very thick during winter. This is also maybe the last mass of Pat who had been acting as the coordinator of the group in Hirosaki. We thanked Pat for all the work she did for the group. And Pat's wished is that the group will continue the prayer and the mass every second Wednesday of the month. They hope too to have an english mass on one of the Sundays. I cannot say "yes" for now but i hope I can find  a time to celebrate mass with the community in one of the Sundays of the month from next year. 


Vivian  Narumi featured in Aomori Newspaper

Pat shared to me the newspaper clip about Miss Vivian Narumi who was featured in the Japanese Newspaper in Aomori Ken. Vivian shared her experience living in Japan especially in Aomori ken. And she also introduced the Philippines to the people where she is in contact with everyday.

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IWATE KEN

Rikuzen Takata - Ofunato 3rd  Anniversary Block Rosary

Last Nov. 15 Rikuzen Takata - Ofunato Community celebrated their 3rd anniversary of the block Rosary.  They gathered together in a community center in Takata. Fr. Morita who came all they way from Sendai with Fr. Edgar celebrated the thanksgiving mass. There are more than 50 members who gathered together to pray the rosary and joined in the celebration of the 3rd anniversary.

from Erva's post in Facebook
"Today's event, Blk Rosary 3rd anniversary after 3,11,11.celebrated at naruishi komenkan at Rikusen Takata.A warm thanks to Fr Morita,Fr Edgar,and to all Pag asa members who came and join our special day.maraming salamat din po sa lahat ng nag effort para sa handang pagkain .Thanks to all again and May the Bless Us All always...P.S.Thank you Aibo and Rosemarie,お疲れさまでした"

Message from Fr. Harnoko 

My dear friends Pag-asa Iwate, congratulation for your 3rd anniversary of Bloc Rosary. From the 3.11, I learned from all of you how to be faithful in prayer, in sorrow as well as in joy. Let's be hopeful and keep our prayeful heart always!
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Ichinoseki Church

We celebrated our monthly mass in Ichinoseki Church last Nov. 15.  Terada sensei joined us in our mass with the community.  After the mass, Aiko with Sister Micheline gathered the children to follow up for their catechism. 

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Boodle Fight

Boodle fight is a military style of eating where long tables are prepared and food are on top of the banana leaves. Viands and rice ready to eat using your bare hands, jugs of water are prepared on the side to wash hands before the "eating combat". With the signal to start the boodle fight, everyone aims for his/her position.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=boodle%20fight

This was the scene of boodle fight in Ofunato.  Who ever wins?  You judge

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MIYAGI KEN

Mass in Watari Church

We celebrated our mass together in Watari Church last Nov. 2. Since it was also an All Souls day, we decided to offer the mass for our love ones who had died. We ask the Christians to bring a picture and list the names of the people they wanted to be prayed for our mass this day. 

November 2014

For Our Reflection

Developing A Pattern of Personal Prayer
by Amy Peterson

• As I went through some articles on blogs about prayer, I happen to see this article on Developing A Pattern of Personal Prayer. I would like like to share this with all of you and hope it will help you to follow some practical steps for our daily use. I have shortened the article and edited.
  Here is Ms. Amy Peterson's seven steps to help us develop our personal prayer.

• Start the day with prayer

  Starting the day with prayer is essential. The days I forget to do this I feel out of sorts. In fact, if my day’s begun and I haven’t prayed, I find a quiet place to kneel down as soon as I remember, or I simply begin to pray in my head. I’ve learned that having a cue in my routine helps me remember to pray. Right now I pray in the morning as I drive home from the gym, or after I make my bed. Sometimes I choose to pray both times. I also pray with my children before they leave for the day, making sure to ask God to keep them safe and help them make good choices. I feel protection and power when I start my day with prayer.

• Pray often

  Once prayer becomes a part of your life, you will realize how often prayer can help you throughout your day. I pray for my children if I know they have a test or difficult situation at school. I pray for my husband while he is at work. If I feel frustrated with my young daughter, I pray for help and strength as I attempt to reason with her. When the children fight and I feel my temper rise, I pray for peace and calm. These aren’t long prayers, but short thoughts sent up to heaven. I also try to pray for things I’m thankful for, like the peas coming up in the garden or a good interaction with my son. When tragedy strikes around the world, I know I can pray for those affected and for peace.

• Pray anywhere

  I’ve already mentioned praying in the car. I also pray in the shower and while I run. My husband and I have taught our children that they can pray anywhere; God is always listening and always ready to help. If you don’t have time or a place to sit or kneel, pray in your head. As you are getting in the habit of prayer, you might want to say the words out loud as you pray. I like to do this occasionally to make sure I am being mindful in my prayers.

• Be specific

  God is interested in the details of your life. I feel a better connection with him when I express gratitude for specific things in my life, like a a supportive husband and a home that protects me from Oregon rainstorms. I also ask for detailed things; for example, patience in dealing with sibling squabbles or inspiration as I plan activities for a youth camp that I help direct. At the end of each day, it is helpful to take inventory as you pray, noting times you were assisted and ways you would like to improve.

• Write it down

  Several years ago I lost a much-anticipated pregnancy at 19 weeks. A woman in my neighborhood kindly asked me if she could add my name to her prayer list. I asked her about her list, and she said she wrote down people and things to pray for so she would remember them. I thanked her for adding me to her list. Although my own list is mostly mental, there are times when I use my journal as catalyst for remembering things and people I need to pray for. If you have trouble coming up with things to say during a prayer, writing a few thoughts down could help.

• Be grateful

  Prayers of thanks, even during rough stages in life, always help me see things more positively. Occasionally, I say prayers of gratitude that only thank God for what he has blessed me with. It’s hard not to ask for things, but praying in this way helps me develop faith and humility.

• Look for answers

  Prayer is a two-way communication method. If you have questions, expect answers. They might not come in the most direct ways. I find prayer and scripture reading are perfect partners for helping me receive insights about my life. I have also learned to be patient as I pray, knowing answers might not come this week or even this year, and also realizing the answer I want may not be the answer God gives.
  The pattern of personal prayer that I’ve developed in my life has changed me. I feel more capable of understanding others and doing good. Every once in a while my Internet service doesn’t work properly, and I feel disconnected for the day or two I’m offline. Fortunately, my connection to God is always working as long as I am willing to communicate. If you want to increase your faith, feel protected and receive guidance for your own life, make personal prayer a part of each day.

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Fukushima Ken

Noda Machi Church

We had our monthly Tagalog Mass in Noda Machi last October 5.  After the mass, we conducted the survey in preparation for the program for group. After the mass the leaders ask me if we can have our mass next month earlier since they were planning to have a halloween party.  The party would be a good chance to meet many Filipinos in the area.


Shirakawa Mass

We had our Tagalog Mass in Shirakawa Catholic Church last Oct. 4 first Saturday of the month.  The group had expressed that they have not done the singing during the communion in the Japanese Mass. Before they were ask by Fr. Tanaka. I told them to ask their priest about this activity so that he will also know and will have some continuity.  After the mass, we also conducted the survey and had a simple sharing at the church hall.


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MIYAGI KEN

Watari Church

We had our International Mass in Watari Church last Oct 5 in Watari Church. We met some new faces among the Filipinos.  The growing number of children is also evident during our international mass. The president of the church council had announced that there will be a gathering for the children this month in Watari church.


Minami San Riku Mass

Fr. Aizu celebrated the Japanese mass with Minami San Riku community. Its been some months since Fr. Aizu returned to the community and joined in the celebration. During this mass, Jenny was also celebrating her birthday. The community had a simple birthday celebration for her.

Sendai Motodera Catholic Church Mass

Its been sometime since I celebrated the English mass with the community and I am very happy to meet the community of Sendai. After the mass, we asked the community for their cooperation in preparation for the coming of Cardinal Tagle of Manila next year here in the diocese. They were all willing to help in the preparation and will coordinate with Fr. Emie for the preparation on the liturgy and a simple welcome party for the Cardinal



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IWATE KEN

Mizusawa Catholic Church

Fr. Edgar celebrated the mass in Mizusawa Catholic Church last Oct 5.

Ofunato Catholic Church

Prof .  Alec LeMay from Sophia University gave a talk on children's faith education in Ofunato Church last October 12, 2014 in Ofunato Church. The seminar aim at helping the christians understand the importance of the faith education for the children.




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November is also the month to Remember our loved ones who passed away

We offer prayers to all of them

October 2014 Newsletter

For Our Reflection



Last September 24-28, I attended the Congress on Migration, Family and Mission in Taichung Taiwan. The Congress aims to gather the pastoral workers to help migrants, immigrants and people on the move in the Asia Pacific Region. There 80 participants from the 19 different countries who gathered and shared their ideas on how to respond this growing migration phenomenon in their respective countries.

In line with this I would like to share with you the homily of Fr. William Grimm, MM on Mt. 20 : 1-16

"The parable of the workman was probably included in Mt. Gospel as a rebuke to Jewish Christian who resented the influx of Gentiles into the community.The Jews had generations of experience at believing in God. Jesus himself was one of them.

Then from out of nowhere, all sorts of strange people started coming into the Church. Not only did they not come from a tradition of believing in God, many of them were in fact pagans who had recently elbowed their way into the community claiming the right to be part of the chosen people of God. 

They spoke different languages, wore different clothes, ate different foods and had different customs.

Matthew's message is a reprimand to those who are uncomfortable with the newcomers.

In the parable, those hired early in the morning and those brought on near quitting time all recieve the same welcome from the land owner and the same wage, a denarius.

A denarius was the amount one needed to live for a day. So, the land owner gave each of the workers all they needed. Of course, the land owner represents God, who will give us all we need. 

In the kingdom of God, we will not be given more than ll we really need. Niether will we be given less.

So the parable is not a story about labor relations or wage policies. It is about how God deals with the world.

And yet, it is not totally unrelated to the concerns of the modern world. 

All over the world, societies are facing their own version of what the early Church experienced. 

Migrant workers, refugees and immigrants are "invading" area where their races, cultures, religions, speech and customs are alien.

They often face ridicule, explioitation, discrimination and even violence. 

Another way in which "outsiders" are becoming a strong presence in many societies is the refusal of women and minorities to remain outside the mainstream of their society.

People who have traditionally been incharge see their power eroded and are challenged to either cooperate or be ignored. 

On a global level, nations and societies that in the past were merely objects of colonialism, tourism, or exploitation for resources or cheap labor are demanding recognition, and a just share of the gifts of the world.

In the Church, too, this phenomenon is arising, and not a few Christians appear threatened by the change, just as the Jewish Christians were long ago.

If one wishes to survey Christianity today, they journey must begin in places like Sao Paolo, Nairobi, and Manila rather than Rome or Canterbury. 

The response to this on the part of many Christians is like that of the landowner in the parable. They work to ensure that all people have a fair share of the opportunities and goods of this world.

They join the struggle for justice within societies, among nations and in the Churches.  Such activity is not always welcomed, even by fellow Christians. 

The immitators of the landowner are accused of abandoning the Church's spiritual mission for material aims, of being dupes of various enemies of society or religion and even traitors. 

However, involvement in social criticism and activism by Christians is none of these. 

Christian calls for equal justice are not based upon ideology or a commitment to solely material values.  We must be involved in order to show what God and God's kingdom are like

The generosity of the land owner shows that God offers the same love to all. The generosity of Christians aims at doing the same.

It is a spiritual mission, even when it looks similar to what others may do from a different motivation.

The incarnation of Christ is God's declaration that if we wish to learn about God, we must look for signs of God's love in the world in which we live.

This world is the place where spiritual is meant to be visible. Just as the parables of Jesus show the love of God in stories about lost coins, vineyards and generous landowners, the followers of Jesus must make the event of everyday life point to God's loving presence among us.

Therefore, we must root out discrimination and unwelcoming attitude in our own lives.  In addition, as citizens, as members of society, we must use the structures and opportunities available to us to make the world more like the Kingdom of God, more like the field of the generous landowner."

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FUKUSHIMA KEN

Shirakawa Catholic Church

Our monthly Tagalog Mass was held last September 6 in Shirakawa Catholic Church. Before the mass the group had their block rosary and went to the church for the Tagalog mass. This month Sylvie joins us in our celebration.  After the mass, we had a simple sharing of food and small talk.

happy faces 

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Noda Machi Catholic Church Mass

We had our monthly meeting in Noda Machi Catholic Church last September 7. It was good to meet many familiar faces during the mass. We were literary overflowing inside the small chapel. I am very happy to see most of the members of the Hawak Kamay community.

The community just finished their activities at EIWAN World Women's Cafe where the group joined and cook Filipino food for the cafe and also had some presentation.  Although tired they made an effort to join the Tagalog mass and give thanks to God for the blessings.

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MIYAGI KEN

Watari Church International Mass

We had our International mass in Watari Catholic Church last September 7. We fill the church, literaly, of Watari everytime we celebrate the mass. Both Japanese and the foreigners are gathered together to celebrate the sunday mass. After the mass, we introduce our new comers in the church especially the trainees who are working in the area. We also introduce Sylvie who joined us in our masses in the community.

After the mass, we enjoy together the food prepared by the Filipinos.
The children are also gathered by Aiko Hayashi san and taught them some catechism and guitar lesson

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Ishinomaki Hawak Kamay Joins Fukushi Bazaar in Ishinomaki City

The Hawak Kamay Ishinomaki community joined the Fukushi Bazaar in the City. The group prepared adobo obento which is one of the most popular dish in the bazaar. The group also presented a dance number. It was a way to thank all the people who had helped the group and support the Filipinos here in the city.

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Shiroishi International Mass

September 28 is a special day for Migrants. Churches everywhere celebrates international mass to pray for the migrant and their families. In Sendai Diocese, we have international masses celebrated in the Cathedral and in other churches. This day we were invited to join the Shiroishi block and join in the international mass in Sendai.  Foreigners who are living in Sendai had gathered together to celebrate and pray together. 

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AOMORI KEN

Hirosaki Catholic Church

We arrived in Hirosaki Church just in time for the Rosary and Novena Prayer. After that we celebrated the Eucharist together.
Then we went to introduce our Office the Sendai Support Center for Foreigner to the group. Claire did the presentation and after this she ask the cooperation of the group to answer questions for the

survey that we will be doing for all the churches we are visiting here in Sendai Diocese.
During the meal, the group had made some sharings about the community and we hope to address all these as we dialogue and will report the result of the survey later on.



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Hachinohe Catholic Church

We had our monthly English Mass at Hachinohe last September 14. Before the mass Claire conducted the survey with the trainees from Tokyo Dress. After the mass before the meal, we gathered the rest at the hall and had our survey with them. Although it was a three day holiday in Japan, there were quit a number who attended the mass.

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OCTOBER 2014 

MASS SCHEDULE

October 4 - Shirakawa Catholic Church - Tagalog mass 1 pm

October 5 - Watari Catholic Church - International Mass - 11:00 am
                    Noda Machi Catholic Church - Tagalog Mass 3:00 pm
                   Mizusawa Catholic Church - International Mass - 2:00 

October 8 - Hirosaki Catholic Church - English Mass - 11:00 am

October 19 - Motodera Catholic Church - English Mass - 2 pm
                    Ofunato Catholic Church - Tagalog Mass - 1:00 pm

September 2014 Newsletter

For Our Reflection

A Journey in Hirosaki

Kevin has been working in Japan for 6 months and joins us in our Novena and Mass in Hirosaki Church

Living in Japan for the past six (6) months has been a rewarding experience both from my personal and career perspectives.  The first time I came here was in 2003 when I visited my brother who was studying at Nagoya University.  It was a month-long stay and I enjoyed a lot because I was able to see the beauty of Japan in terms of its culture and advance technologies.  Now that I am back, I have this feeling of gratitude for another valuable opportunity to witness the inner and physical beauty of this country.  Japan never fails to amaze me and I always look forward to each day that pass, anticipating new discoveries as my journey here unfolds. 

I work for a company which is into the business of used car recycling.  It is one of the biggest recycling companies in Tohoku region with several branches all over Tohoku.  The company recovers scrap metals and used car parts and sell them China, Korea and Malaysia, which are then used as raw materials to manufacture iron.  The business of scrap metal recycling is huge in Asia where demand is increasing exponentially.  Thanks to the booming economies in this part of the world, resource consumption has been at an increasing rate and there is profitability in recycling.  But for the Company that I work with, its corporate agenda is recovering valuable materials for recycling so that there is no more need to use fresh resources to create new products.  With recycling, it is able to help our fragile environment by lessening dependence on exploiting our forests and mountains.  Japan for one has a big appetite for metals and other resources because of its industry-based economy.

Living in Japan is all about convenience.  I always tell my friends abroad that everything is convenient here from riding trains to buying food.  Vending machines and convenience stores are everywhere.  Going home even late at night is not a problem since Japan is very safe.  The challenge though is learning the Japanese language in a country where English is rarely used.  I would say it is not a walk in the park to learn because of its complexity and the use of characters which are brain-wracking and at times confusing.  But with constant communication with locals, I think mastery of the language is not farfetched. 

I am grateful to have known Filipinos here through the local Hirosaki Catholic Church.  Meeting hardworking Filipinos overseas has always been my source of pride and happiness.  We never fail to impress our host country because of our faith, unbreakable unity and care for each other amidst the challenges of living in a foreign country.  It is the spirit of kinship and determination that make us survive regardless of where we are.     

Our government calls us “unsung heroes” because of our contribution in building our country.  Silently, we toil tirelessly to earn a decent living to support our families back home.  In addition, we are also ambassadors of our culture promoting our identity and our country.  We take lessons from Japan where culture is deeply embedded in their consciousness no matter how advanced they are.    We watch in awe how the Japanese people segregate their waste and put them in designated recycling bins with dedication and discipline.  Indeed, we need to take a cue from them to collectively desire progress in our country with our own culture as the backbone of our modernity. 

Mabuhay ang Pilipino!

            By ;

               Kevin Roy

After mass sharing

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MIYAGI KEN
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Watari Mass and Baptism

Rika chan during her baptism

We celebrated together the Baptism of Rika chan. The community celebrated together to welcome Rika to the Watari Community. We celebrated our second International Mass and we were almost overflowing inside the small church of Watari, yet it did not stop us to be joyful to welcome Rika chan. There were also other children who joined in the mass. After the mass Aiko san gathered them together and thought them a song.

Aiko san teaching some basic guitar cords

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Minami San Riku Tagalog Mass

We had our monthly mass in Minami San Riku last Aug. 17 in the temporary building owned by Amelia Sasaki.  Despite the busy schedules of community we were able to gather together for our mass. The group from Ishoni Arukou project also joined us in our mass. The group is from the Anglican Church who helped the community to study Japanese and get their licence to be a care-giver. 


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Ishinomaki Japanese Mass

After some weeks of being in the hospital, Fr. Aizu joined us in our mass last Aug. 17 in Ishinomaki Church. We welcome Fr. Aizu and told thank all of us who prayed for him and visited him when he was hospitalised. We also introduced Claire to the community.






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FUKUSHIMA KEN

Shirakawa Block Rosary and Tagalog Mass

We have our block rosary and Tagalog mass every first saturday of the month here in Shirakawa Church. We were lucky to meet Fr. Eteme who is leaving for the burial of his father. We assured him of our prayers to him and to the family.
After the mass, we gathered together to pray the rosary and have a house blessing of Maribel.

while we were praying the rosary the children were gathered to have their catechism with Aiko san

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Noda Machi English Mass

after mass picture with the community

We have our monthly masses in Noda machi every first Sunday of the month. Since it was too hot that day, there were only around 10 of us to celebrated the mass. After the mass the Hawak Kamay gathered for their monthly meeting in preparation for their up coming activities.
We were invited too to celebrate the birthday of Aya Ishikawa san, the daughter of Mimi.



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Koriyama Tagalog Mass

On the fifth Sunday, we decided to have a Tagalog/English Mass in Koriyama Catholic Church. This is the first time we celebrated the mass together. Although there were few of us, we were able to make the celebration lively through our songs. We blessed to have a guitarist and a good singers among us. Our next mass will be on Nov. 30, 2014 at 3 pm. 


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IWATE KEN

Ichinoseki Children prepares for their First Communion


There will be five children who will be receiving their first communion this month and Sister is preparing for them for that event.

First Communion of 5 Children in Ichinoseki

We thank the Lord for blessing our five children in Ichinoseki Catholic Church on their first communion. After some months of preparing them for this big event, the children received their first communion last Aug. 10 in Ichinoseki Catholic Church.

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Kuji Japanese/Tagalog Mass

We had our monthly mass in Kuji Catholic Church last Aug.9. Despite the impending coming of a strong typhoon, we manage to arrive safely in Kuji. Since it a vacation time for most children this month, we have quite a few of them came to the church and celebrated the mass with us.



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Ofunato Church

Shira Hyaku Gakuen ...
Students from tokyo visited us here in Ofunato . After reading my column at ”Fukuin Senkyo”. they dropped by after their volunteer work in Kamaishi. Since 3.11 they do volunteer works at Caritas kamaishi. I have to make a one hour talk with them. Thank God Erva came in the middle of the talk.

By Marife Sugawara
 



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AOMORI KEN

Hachinohe English Mass

We had our monthly mass in Hachinohe Catholic Church last Aug. 10. Despite the rain and a sudden earthquake that hit the area, many of us gather for the mass. We celebrated the birthday of Monica. There were also some of us whose parents are here for vacation.

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Hirosaki Catholic Church Tagalog Mass

We had our monthly Tagalog mass in Hirosaki Church last August 13. We started with the Novena prayer. While we were praying I noticed that there were tourist who were coming to see the church. Hirosaki is known for its Churches and Cafe as Terada Sensei would say. During our mass, we have some tourist who joined us for our mass. They were from Chiba and was going around Tohoku during this boon period.

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Diep and Yuki San

I'm happy to inform that my daughter was born on 27th May 2014. Her name is Yuki Koshino. In winter 3 years ago, Hirosaki welcomed us with snow. Snow is everywhere, the roof and the ground were covered by snow. Coming from the tropical country  we were impressed by snow  and choose it as my daughter's name .

With not so much experiences to being mother, I felt a little stressful and worry about a way to take care my daughter . However, I have received a lot of help from my mom, my husband and also from the doctor and nurses in the hospital so that everything becomes easier .

She came to the church when she was one month and got a blessing from Father Paul Too  and many people in the Church. We want her to be baptised next year here in Hirosaki.

Thank You .

           By :

               Diep Koshino

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Seiji Saito Baptism in Ishinomaki Church

Seiji with his parents, brother and a very proud birthday celebrant Adel

The Christian community of Ishinomaki Church welcomes Seiji Saito  the son of Shima and Gilbert Saito who was baptised last Aug. 31 in Ishinomaki Church.  Fr. Aizu and me did the rite of baptism for Seiji. The christian community indeed were happy to witness the this special event for the Saito family. 

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Last Aug. we have been reflecting about Peter in Matthew's Gospel.  I would like to share the reflection of Fr.  William Grimm, MM on Mt. 16:21-27

There is no Christian life without the cross.

Yet, we do not want it. As a decoration, it looks nice. As the searing torture of body, mind, and spirit that is really is, we want no part of it. Peter was not the last follower of Jesus who has left,'God forbid it, Lord!' This must never happen to you - or me.

In Matthew`s Gospel, today`s passage follows Peter`s declaration that Jesus is "the Messiah, the son of the living God." Peter liked the thought of Jesus as the Christ, the anointed one of God, sent to bring about the fulfilment of God's plan for the world. We like that, too. 

What Peter could not handle was the fact that "from that time on" Jesus started talking about suffering and death as his way of messiahship. Peter and we like our gods to be powerful, not suffering. More to the point, we like ourselves to be powerful, not suffering. God, however, sees things differently. The pains, the crosses of our life, bring us to complain to God.

In my own life, some of my most honest prayers have been at such times. No fancy words, not set phrases, just raw pain, confusion, and anger. In other words, my true self.

Apparently, God prefers the complains of Jeremiah to the solicitude of Peter. When Peter tries to head off talk of suffering, Jesus calls him "Satan" . Jesus says yet another shocking thing about Peter : "You are a stumbling block to me" . How can Peter`s hope that Jesus not suffer be a stumbling block? 

Peter is renewing the temptation that Satan presented to Jesus at the start of his ministry, the temptation to avoid the painful way and take the easy way. Jesus is upset because it is a real temptation that Peter presents to him.  The cross was Jesus' vocation, but that does not mean he liked it or did not hope for some other way.  He prayed for as much in Gethsemane.

The temptation to avoid the cross is not one that Jesus alone faced. We, too, face it. That is the reason Jesus tells us that we must be willng to take up the cross. We, too, must face and overcome the temptation Jesus faced and overcame. 

"If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up thier cross and follow me." He wants us to follow him to the cross and through the temptation to avoid it. 

What is the cross?

It is not merely the instrument of torture on which Jesus was killed.

It is certainly more than a decoration or a piece of jewelry. The cross is the way in which God relates with the world. We say that God is love, and that our lives are meant to be signs of that love for the world, but what is love?

Love is not merely the emotion that is a real part of every healthy human life. The kind of love that characterizes God is not an emotion, but an activity. It is a giving of one`s all for the sake of the beloved. This is symbolized in Christian marriage, where the couple commit themselves to sharing not an emotion, but a life. 

The ultimate self-emptying, the ultimate offering we can make in love, is the offering of our whole life. God did that in Jesus on the cross. If we want to know what God is like, we must look at the cross. If we want to show what God is like, we must take up our cross. But, that has implications for us who call ourselves Christians. We must be willing to face the cross, willing to sacrifice even life itself for the sake of God and others. We do it knowing that in becoming like Christ on his cross we also become like him in his resurrection. 

As St. Paul says "If we have been united with him in a death like his,  we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. " 

Does that mean we must go on in search of opportunities to suffer?

No.

We need not search.

They will come.

What we must do is to spend our lives facing the mirror crosses that come our way, learning patience, humility, and service. Then, when the big demands come, we will already have learned to deny ourselves and follow The Lord. Then, we will be able to face The Lord in his glory and receive the reward of those who show the unlimited love of God to the world, unlimited life. 

link to the homily

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBJPhfaj4nM

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SEPTEMBER 2014 Mass Schedule

September 6 - Shirakawa Catholic Church - Tagalog Mass 1 PM

September 7 - Watari Catholic Church - Japanese/International Mass 11 AM

                        Noda Machi Catholic Church - Tagalog/English Mass 3 PM

September 10 - Hirosaki Catholic Church - Novena to the BVM 11 AM

                                                                     English Mass 12 Noon

September 13 - Kuji Catholic Church - English/Japanese Mass 2 PM

September 14 - Hachinohe Catholic Church - English Mass 1 PM

September 20 - Ichinoseki Catholic Church - Tagalog Mass 2 PM

September 21 - Ishinomaki Catholic Church - Japanese Mass 10 AM

                          Minami San Riku - Tagalog Mass 3 PM

September 28 - Iwaki Catholic Church - no mass